Plant nurseries are agricultural firms that propagate annuals, perennials,
and shrubs, and grow them to a marketable size. Retail nurseries sell
plants and garden supplies to the general public while wholesale nurseries
sell their nursery stock to garden centers, commercial landscapers, and
other nurseries. Private nurseries may provide for the needs of an
institution or estate.
Nurseries vary widely in their scope of operation; some nurseries grow a
large assortment of plants while others specialize in a plant category,
such as flowers, garden vegetables, ground covers, or succulents.
Additionally, a nursery may focus on a certain phase of plant growth, such
as propagation or growing out. Some plant nurseries specialize in
propagating houseplants or greenhouse plants while others specialize in
growing particular plant species and varieties such as roses or orchids.
Many nurseries make use of greenhouses, which are made of glass or plastic
tunnels. A greenhouse protects plants from harsh weather while still
allowing light to filter through. Some greenhouses include automated
temperature control, ventilation, watering, and feeding systems.
Nurseries are very labor intensive businesses. The plants must be
cared for and examined each day. Most estimates say that 70% of the
nursery expense is the manpower needed to keep it running optimally.
For such a labor intensive business, it is imperative to consider the
climate where the nursery is located and grow accordingly, to avoid losing
profit. Many plants and shrubs that would grow well in a rainy
location may not survive in a dry environment and vice versa. Proper
research and ongoing care are needed to ensure the long-term viability of
the plant nursery.
PlantNurseries.us features convenient access to selected retail nurseries,
wholesale nurseries, and online horticulture resources.
Home gardeners and landscapers can order plants online or by phone from
many of these nurseries.
This family-owned nursery, located in northwestern Connecticut,
is a premier mail-order source for plants, bulbs, and gardening supplies. www.WhiteFlowerFarm.com
South Carolina plant nursery and gardening source offers a broad range of perennials, bulbs, roses, trees & shrubs, and rare plants. www.WaysideGardens.com
This small, family-run Massachusetts nursery features annuals and perennials, grasses and sedges, rock garden plants, and woody plants. www.AvantGardensNE.com
Certified aquatic plants and tree farm grows Florida native plants, including fresh water plants, wetland plants and salt-tolerant plants. www.AquaticPlantsOfFlorida.com
Features a list of native plant nurseries and sources of
native plants, broken down by state. Find the native plant you are
looking for from a nursery near your home or office. www.PlantNative.com